The CDC reports that being awake for 18 hours is the equivalent of having a blood content of 0.05%. Being awake for 24 hours is equal to having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, which is higher than the legal limit (0.08% BAC) in all states.
Even the best drivers can’t fight fatigue! According to the National Safety Council, every year about 100,000 crashes nationwide involve driving while drowsy.
Fatigued driving puts the driver and others on the road at risk. According to a Governors Highway Safety Association Report, approximately 775 people died nationwide in 2018 in crashes involving drowsy driving.
Since there is no substitute for getting enough sleep, the best thing to do if you are feeling drowsy on the road, is to pull off somewhere safe and get some sleep.
Preventing driver fatigue can go a long way in making sure that you avoid disastrous crashes. Here are some tips to help you recognize the signs of drowsiness to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
Drowsy Driving (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
CMV Driving Tips – Driver Fatigue (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
Drivers Are Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel (National Safety Council)
